Arsineh Boghozian

Why Carrying a First Aid Kit is a Must: Top 17 essential items for your hiking kit You never know when something will happen By Arsineh Boghozian Photo by photo nic on Unsplash Hiking is one of the most exciting adventures in nature that anyone can experience. Hiking disconnects us from the city and civilization. Even though we can’t deny the attraction of mountains and nature, but it’s important to remember that nature is unpredictable. Over my five years of hiking, I discovered the significance of having a first aid kit to make sure that me and my fellow hikers are safe all the time. Don’t have a first aid kit or maybe you don’t know what to put in your first aid kit? In this article, I break down 17 necessary components that you should include inside your first aid kit. Benefits of carrying a first aid kit A first aid kit is a combination of materials, tools, and medications that go inside an organized box and can be carried during hiking, backpacking camping, or any other outdoor adventures. When you’re in an isolated area and away from the city hiking, there are numerous risks involved. Slip and fall, cold temperatures, and danger coming from different types of bugs and animals like ticks, bears, bees, etc.… are only a few of the situations that could threaten your life. In these situations, you don’t have access to medical professionals and emergency rooms and services so can get help immediately. In some very rare cases, injury, slip and fall, insect or animal bites, or even someone feeling bad could be life-threatening. Moreover, carrying a first aid kit can save your life. In addition, when you carry a first aid kit you can provide basic treatment for small injuries or more serious injuries before having access to a doctor. Blisters, splinters, and small cuts are just small injuries while getting bitten by a snake or breaking a leg, deep cuts and burns are types of injuries that every second is counted when they happen to you. They have to be treated with the highest quality possible on the spot. Photo by Leo on Unsplash Store-bought or DIY: Which one you should choose Now you know about the importance of the first kit, you might want to think about choosing between a store-bought first aid kit or building your own. Each one of them has their advantages and disadvantages. Some store-bought kits have basic necessary items for example plasters, gauze dressings, bandages, tweezers, and medical tape and more advanced ones contain more comprehensive essentials such as cleansing wipes/antiseptic cream, scissors, a space blanket, and medicines. The benefit of choosing a store-bought kit is that they are inexpensive and ready-touse, but on the other hand, it may not have all the important materials in cases of emergencies. In some cases, they contain items that may not be used at all. The other option that you have is a Do-it-yourself kit. You can create your first aid kit. Keep in mind this can be a little bit expensive depending on which items you include since you’re buying everything separately, and you’re collecting them one by one. It can also be time-consuming. You have to look for each material carefully and pick the best one possible. But, it is totally worth it, because you will know what exactly to put in your first aid kit and in cases of emergencies you will have everything you need in your hands. Of course, it is much more desirable to create your own kit instead of choosing a standard, store-bought kit as it will guarantee that all the supplies are personalized to your own needs and cover a wider variety of difficulties that can happen while you’re enjoying the hike. Whether you prefer to buy a store-bought kit or you want to create your own, there are items that you must have in your first aid kit for trekking. Necessary materials for your first aid kit Building a broad first aid kit for hiking is necessary to ensure you’re equipped with different items for a variety of injuries and emergencies. Cuts, scrapes and splinters, Bumps and bruises, Cold/hot weather, Insects, Illness, and allergies, you have to be ready for all of them. These are necessary materials you must have in your first aid kit. 1. Sterile bandages Include different sizes to cover small cuts, abrasions, and blisters. 2. Sterile Gauze pads and adhesive tape For covering and bandaging bigger wounds 3. Antiseptic wipes or solution For cleaning wounds and to avoid infections 4. Tweezers and scissors For cutting tape or gauze, removing splinters, and other tasks. 5. Elastic bandage (Ace Bandage) Beneficial for supporting twisted or strained joints 6. Pain relieve medications Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, adult cold 7. Antihistamines For allergic reactions to insect bites or stings 8. Moleskin or blister treatment Prevention and treatment for blisters on your feet 9. CPR equipment For performing CPR 10. Thermometer For observing body temperature in case of fever 11. Mosquito and tick-repellent To avoid mosquito and tick bites 12. Pain relieving cream and gel For putting ease on pains and muscle aches 13. Diarrheal medications and Nausea medications For gut problems and being poisoned 14. First Aid Manual or Instruction Booklet A guide to assist you with managing first aid properly. 15. Emergency Whistle To signal a need for help during emergencies. 16. Personal Medical Information A duplicate of your medical history and allergies. 17. Medications Your prescription medications (if you have any) and any essential allergy or asthma medications. Photo by Omer Salom on Unsplash Choose the perfect first aid kit for your hike It seems like a lot to carry when you have to bring a tent sleeping bag and other items for your hike, but please don’t skip taking a first aid kit with you. A first aid kit is the most important thing you must have during your hike. Weight, size, and environmental situations are the elements you have to pay attention to when you’re gathering the items required for your first aid kit. Going hiking in tropical areas, cold climates, or high altitudes requires extras, included in your first aid kit. if you’re going for a hike in jungle, you should pack antimalarial pills and powdered antiseptic and antibiotic for treating wounds in hot and humid environments. If you’re going to trek in a cold climate, don’t forget to bring a heat-reflecting emergency blanket. In addition, if you’re going to hike in higher altitudes it’s much better if you take acetazolamide and anti-nausea pills with you. You have to keep an eye on the weight and size of your first aid kit. We suggest that you keep your first aid kit lightweight when you’re going for longer treks. Carrying it will be much more manageable for you. How to organize and pack your first aid kit 1. Keep your first aid kit in a part of your backpack that is easiest to reach and is always available to anyone. 2. Put your first aid kit in a waterproof bag, so it doesn’t get soggy. 3. Label it accordingly with big clear letters, which will be easy for anyone to find. Conclusion A first aid kit is the most important item to carry while you’re hiking. It is so crucial that it can even save your life in some cases. Either you want to buy store-bought kit or you want to build your own, make sure you carry necessary materials with you. Remember to add extra essential items depending on where you’re going for a hike. Antiseptic wipes or solutions, Elastic bandages, Pain relief medications, Moleskin, or blister treatment are only a few very important materials that you must have. Choose the suitable weight and size for the type of trek you want to go. Environmental circumstances of your hike should be considered also. In addition, keep your first aid kit available and handy all the time. So…what do you think? Let me know if I missed any tips. Leave a comment below and let me know